Choose from the given options one that is opposite in meaning to "Deter"
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Encourage
To deter is to stop someone from doing something, or make it less likely, by making them afraid of the result. Its antonym is encourage.
Example: High fines deter drivers from jumping the red light.
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| (1) Encourage (answer) | to give someone confidence or support to do something (deterring pushes a person away from an action, and encouraging pushes the person towards it) | Her parents encouraged her to take up painting. |
| (2) Defeat | to win against someone in a fight or contest (it is not the opposite of deter) | India defeated Australia in the final. |
| (3) Discourage | to try to stop someone from doing something (it is close in meaning to deter) | The rain discouraged people from coming to the fair. |
| (4) Dishearten | to make someone lose hope or confidence (it is near to deter, not opposite) | The poor result did not dishearten the young player. |
| Synonyms of deter: discourage, prevent, hinder, dishearten Antonyms of deter: encourage, motivate, urge, inspire Also asked in CUET (UG): deter – 30-05-2023 Slot 3 |